Award-Winning PRAXIS English Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

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Award-Winning PRAXIS English Tutors serving Des Moines, IA

Megan

Certified Tutor

4+ years

Megan

Master of Arts, Educational Administration
Megan's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

The Praxis English Content Knowledge exam digs into literary analysis, rhetorical strategies, and the history of the English language in ways that go well beyond a standard literature course. Megan's B.A. in English from Sewanee gave her deep exposure to close reading across genres and periods, and ...

Education

Lipscomb University

Master of Arts, Educational Administration

Vanderbilt University

Masters in Education, Special Education

Sewanee: The University of the South

Bachelor in Arts, English

Karen

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Karen

Bachelor of Science (Secondary Education; English Literature)
Karen's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP English Language and Composition
College Essays

The PRAXIS English exam covers everything from rhetorical analysis to language acquisition theory to poetry interpretation, and Karen earned her teaching license by mastering exactly that range. Her dual background in Secondary Education and English Literature at Vanderbilt means she can unpack both...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Science (Secondary Education; English Literature)

Test Scores
SAT
1420
Ariana

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ariana

Master of Arts, Teaching French as a Second or Foreign Language
Ariana's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Human Development
SAT Subject Test in French with Listening

Few PRAXIS English tutors bring Ariana's combination of a certified English 6–12 teaching background and a master's-level understanding of language acquisition. She digs into the areas that trip up test-takers most — the linguistics and grammar terminology questions, the literature survey breadth, a...

Education

Kansas State University

Master of Arts, Teaching French as a Second or Foreign Language

Kansas State University

Bachelor in Arts, French

Test Scores
SAT
1410
ACT
32
Patrick

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Patrick

AM
Patrick's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Geometry
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am a retired teacher who tutors and writes and who has had decades of success motivating and preparing people for a range of tests and tasks. I also walk/jog 50-plus miles a week, do yoga, and exercise my critical thinking skills regularly. My students since 1979 have ranged from middle school ur...

Education

Yale University

AM

Mati

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Mati

Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Mati's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
PSAT Critical Reading

A published author with a creative writing degree and decades of professional writing experience, Mati tackles the PRAXIS English exam from the inside out — she's spent her career doing what this test measures. She digs into the literary analysis and rhetorical strategy questions, teaching candidate...

Education

New York University

Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing

William

Certified Tutor

2+ years

William

PhD
William's other Tutor Subjects
SAT Subject Test in World History
TOEFL
SAT Subject Test in German with Listening
SAT Mathematics

I have a lot of teaching experience in both high-school and college settings, in the United States and abroad. I cover subjects ranging from ESOL, German, literature, and essay writing to most of the humanities topics that arise in AP and IB courses.

Education

Yale University

PhD

Georgetown University

PhD

Grace

Certified Tutor

3+ years

Grace

Master of Arts, Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
Grace's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
ACT Writing

The Praxis English exams test a specific kind of literary and pedagogical knowledge — not just whether you've read the canon, but whether you can analyze rhetoric, identify grammatical structures, and interpret poetry under timed conditions. Grace's MA in Art History and BA in English give her deep ...

Education

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Master of Arts, Art History, Criticism, and Conservation

Valparaiso University

Bachelor in Arts, English

Ann

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Ann

EDU
Ann's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Science
SSAT- Elementary Level
ISEE- Lower Level

Earning a Doctorate in Educational Supervision while holding National Board Certification means Ann knows both the content the Praxis English exam tests and how ETS frames its questions — from rhetorical analysis and literary interpretation to language use and research skills. She breaks down each c...

Education

Harvard University

EDU

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

EDU

Pepperdine University

EDU

University of California-Riverside

EDU

Andrew

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Andrew

AM
Andrew's other Tutor Subjects
PSAT Writing Skills
TOEFL
COMPASS Writing Skills
ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills

I hold a B.A. from Yale University and an M.A. from the University of Connecticut. In addition to teaching at both the high school and college levels, I also spent many years working in advertising (where I was a Vice President at two New York City agencies), health insurance administration, and as...

Education

Yale University

AM

Lekhini

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Lekhini

MED
Lekhini's other Tutor Subjects
CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
CLEP
English Grammar and Syntax
Literature

The Praxis English exams test everything from rhetorical analysis to pedagogical content knowledge, and candidates often underestimate the depth of the literature and linguistics questions. Lekhini tackled these exams with her own English degree and Master's in Education, so she knows exactly where ...

Education

Rowan University

MED

Frequently Asked Questions

The PRAXIS English exam is a certification test required for educators in Iowa who want to teach English language arts. It assesses knowledge of literature, composition, grammar, and pedagogy. If you're pursuing teacher certification in Iowa or planning to teach English in any of Des Moines' 77 schools, you'll need to pass this exam as part of your licensure requirements.

Most test-takers find the literary analysis and rhetoric sections particularly demanding, as they require both deep content knowledge and the ability to articulate complex ideas under timed conditions. The composition portion also challenges many candidates because it combines grammar mastery with the ability to evaluate writing quality and provide constructive feedback—skills that require both technical precision and pedagogical understanding.

One-on-one instruction allows a tutor to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's analyzing poetry, understanding rhetoric, or explaining grammar concepts—and focus practice time there rather than reviewing material you already know. Personalized tutoring also helps you develop the ability to articulate your thinking clearly, which is essential for the exam's constructed-response sections and for your future classroom.

Your first session will focus on understanding your background, identifying which exam sections need the most work, and assessing your current knowledge of content and test-taking strategies. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that targets your specific challenges while building confidence in your stronger areas.

PRAXIS English tutoring covers literature and textual analysis, rhetoric and composition, grammar and language mechanics, and pedagogical content knowledge—including how to teach these skills effectively. Tutors also help you understand how to apply literary theory, analyze arguments, and evaluate student writing, which are all critical for both the exam and your teaching career.

Most candidates benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, though this varies based on your starting point and how frequently you meet with a tutor. Students who combine weekly tutoring sessions with regular independent practice and full-length practice tests typically see measurable improvement in their scores within this timeframe.

Look for tutors who have passed the PRAXIS English exam themselves, have teaching experience or strong background in English education, and understand Iowa's certification requirements. Ideally, they should have experience helping other candidates prepare and be familiar with the specific format and content of the current exam.

Des Moines has a strong education community with 3 school districts and many teaching opportunities, making PRAXIS English certification an important step in your career. Personalized tutoring helps you prepare effectively while balancing other responsibilities, and connects you with expert tutors who understand both the exam and the local education landscape.

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